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I crossed the one-lane bridge and caught site of the enormous black bull who lives in a bucolic field next to a lake on Hunters Road.
Walking up the hill I wonder, What is your name, Big Bull?
In rhythm with my steps, I roll over possible names for him. He needs a regal name. A big name for a big guy. A name for the ages. Abraham. That’s your name. You’re Abraham!
Standing at the split rail fence I call him bravely but sweetly.
“Abraham! Abraham! Come here honey! Come on boy!”
He stares at me for a long time, then slowly and thoughtfully the ginormous bull starts lumbering my way, male parts sashaying with each thunderous step.
I stand my ground holding on to the fence until Abraham is directly in front of me within arms reach.
I can see his beautiful brown eyes with hundreds of eyelashes over each one. His body is over three feet wide, his head towers over mine.
Surely this is the biggest animal I’ve ever been this close to.
I’m not sure at what point I lose my senses, but I am overtaken by the sudden and insane desire to reach out and pet Abraham on the head. He has a little tuft of curls where his third eye would be and I think, Oh! I must touch that!
(So much for inner wisdom.)
I reach out my hand to give him a little pet and he instantly inhales and exhales with such hurricane force that—like a dragon—a cloud of steam comes from his gigantic nostrils! Straight out of Harry Potter.
I scream and jump back (I have no wand), rolling backwards down the hill.
Oh Abraham.
You might be thinking that the moral of the story is: Do not try to touch a bull on the third eye. Good one. Believe me, I've locked that one in.
I’m also trying a few others on for size:
- Our uniqueness is what makes life an adventure of discovery and open-mindedness.
- I can't assume how my actions will be received. Because I think I am offering love does not mean it will be received as such.
- Respect all living things and be humble in their presence.
- Always carry a wand.
Since that time, whenever I pass Abraham, I think a loving thought, I send him a blessing, and continue on up the street, marveling at my insanity ~ and his incredible beauty.
In The World:
All creatures, from the bulls to the bees, need our support, love and protection to thrive and survive. Assist in ways that resonate with your heart to respect their uniqueness and protect their habitats.
In The Heart:
I honor and find joy in the miraculous design of every living inhabitant of the earth.
Let us develop respect for all living things. Let us try to replace violence and intolerance with understanding and compassion. And love. —Jane Goodall
Abraham